Live Recording from The Musik- Und Kongresshalle, Lübeck

About

Schleswig-Holstein Musik Festival, 7th July 1996

Few conductors have made a greater contribution to our presentday understanding of Bruckner than Günter Wand (1912-2002). His readings of the composer‘s symphonies invariably concentrated on their texture and hence, their spirit. During the great final phase of his career, documented here, Wand devoted himself increasingly to Bruckner‘s works and his interpretations became more and more free, revealing both heartfelt emotion and

musical intelligence. He developed trademark fidelity towards Bruckner, which led to insightful readings of his works. Wherever possible Wand returned to the versions representing most clearly the composer‘s intentions - be it the „urtext“ or scrupulously restored versions.

In the television recording of Bruckner’s Symphony No.6, Günter Wand and his inimitable style of conducting are brought back to life in a particularly impressive way.

The films of his concerts at the Schleswig-Holstein Musik Festival, from 1987 onwards, can truly be regarded as Günter Wand‘s legacy to the NDR Sinfonieorchester, „his“ orchestra for almost 20 years, on which he has left a mark like no other.